Short Takes: A briefing of people, issues and events around the country

March 12, 2013 12:01 AM

Sisters, from left, Holly Sell, 8, Hannah Sell, 16, and Natalie Sell, 12, of Hartwick, N.Y., work Monday to repair their field of snowmen, which were damaged by warm weather. According to Natalie, the family decided to make the snowmen on Sunday after seeing a “Calvin and Hobbes” cartoon that depicted an army of snowmen.ASSOCIATED PRESS

March 12, 2013 12:01 AM

13 hurt in shooting outside D.C. apartment building

WASHINGTON -- Thirteen people were injured, including one critically, when gunmen in a speeding car opened fire on a crowd standing outside an apartment building in northwest Washington early Monday, police said.

The shooting occurred at about 2:10 a.m. in the area of New York Avenue and North Capitol Street, police Chief Cathy Lanier said.

Detectives were reviewing surveillance video showing gunshots being fired as two cars sped down the street in rapid succession, while a group of people on the sidewalk scattered and scrambled for cover.

Police said shots came from at least one of the two cars.

The seriously wounded victim was shot in the back and was in critical condition Monday afternoon, police said.

2 troopers lose jobs over high-speed escort

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- Two state troopers lost their jobs Monday for escorting a caravan of sports cars that traveled the Garden State Parkway in 2012 at 100 mph.

Both Nadir Nassry and Joseph Ventrella also appeared in court in New Brunswick to face charges that they tampered with records -- specifically that they used electrical tape to alter their license plate numbers to cover up their involvement.

Nassry, a sergeant first-class who had been a trooper for 26 years, pleaded guilty to a charge of falsifying or tampering with records. The 47-year-old Phillipsburg resident could be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison, but prosecutors agreed to recommend probation. In a statement, Nassry apologized to drivers who were endangered. The state police and Ventrella called the incident a "one-time act of stupidity."

3 killed in Washington military plane crash

SPOKANE, Wash. -- An aircraft from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island crashed in Eastern Washington on Monday morning, and all three crew members on board died, Navy authorities said.

The EA-6B Prowler was reported to have crashed at about 8:45 a.m. Monday, Whidbey Island officials said.

The Navy informed Congress that the wingman of the crashed plane reported that no parachutes were deployed.

"First responders are on the scene and have reported finding partial remains of the mishap aircrew," the Navy informed Congress. "All three onboard are presumed dead."

The identities of the crew were not immediately available.

Boy admits prank 911 call on celebrity's home

LOS ANGELES -- Prosecutors said a 12-year-old boy has admitted making a prank 911 call that drew police to actor Ashton Kutcher's home.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said the boy admitted responsibility for making a false bomb threat and computer intrusion. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Prosecutors said the boy is also accused of making false 911 calls involving Justin Bieber's house and a bank. Those charges will likely be dismissed, but the district attorney's office said the allegations will be considered when the boy is sentenced.

The boy's identity has not been released. His calls were among several targeting celebrities in the Los Angeles area in recent months in a practice known as "swatting." The pranks are intended to draw large police responses, including SWAT teams.